Thermogenerator and process for producing a thermogenerator

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing a thermogenerator ( 10 ) comprising a plurality of thermocouples formed of p-type thermoelements ( 12 ) and n-type thermoelements ( 14 ). A wafer ( 18 ), provided with a plurality of holes ( 20 a, 20 b ) is covered in thermoelectric material powder ( 22, 24 ). Pressure (P) is applied to the powder ( 22, 24 ) so that it penetrates into the holes ( 20 a, 20 b ) while heating so as to form a plurality of p-type and n-type thermoelements ( 12, 14 ) contained in the wafer ( 18 ). The wafer ( 18 ) is thinned, the thinned wafer thus forming a matrix ( 16 ) in which the thermoelements ( 12, 14 ) are contained. While preserving the matrix ( 16 ) the p-type thermoelements are connected so as to form thermocouples and the n-type thermoelements are connected so as to form thermocouples, thereby obtaining a thermogenerator ( 10 ).

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         9 . Method for producing a thermogenerator comprising a plurality of thermocouples formed of p-type thermoelements and n-type thermoelements, the p-type and n-type thermoelements respectively comprising p-type thermoelectric material and n-type thermoelectric material, wherein the following steps are performed:
 a) a thermally and electrically insulating wafer is provided, the wafer having a first face and a second face, the second face being opposite the first face, the first face being provided with a plurality of first blind holes extending in the direction of the second face, the second face being provided with a plurality of second blind holes extending in the direction of the first face,   b) powder of p-type thermoelectric material and powder of n-type thermoelectric material are provided,   c) a first layer is formed from one of the powders of p-type and n-type thermoelectric material, the first layer is placed against the first face of the wafer,   d) a second layer is formed from the other of the powders of p-type and n-type thermoelectric material, the second layer is placed against the second face of the wafer,   e) a pressure is applied on the first and second layers so that the powder from the first layer penetrates into the first holes and the powder from the second layer penetrates into the second holes,   f) heat is applied for a duration D at a temperature T, so that each of the powders of p-type and n-type thermoelectric material sinters, thus forming in the first and the second holes a plurality of p-type and n-type thermoelements contained in the wafer,   g) the thickness of the wafer on the side of its second face is reduced until the thermoelements formed in the first holes reach the second face,   h) the thickness of the wafer on the side of its first face is reduced until the thermoelements formed in the second holes reach the first face, the wafer, thus thinned, forms a matrix in which the thermoelements are contained, and   i) while preserving the matrix, the p-type and n-type thermoelements are connected to form thermocouples, whereby a thermogenerator is obtained, said matrix allowing spacing and holding the p-type and n-type thermocouples.   
     
     
         10 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 9 , wherein steps c) and f) are performed simultaneously. 
     
     
         11 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 9 , wherein steps e) and f) are performed by sintering. 
     
     
         12 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 9 , wherein the duration D is less than or equal to 60 minutes. 
     
     
         13 . Thermogenerator comprising a plurality of thermocouples formed from p-type thermoelements and n-type thermoelements, wherein the thermogenerator comprises a thermally and electrically insulating matrix in which the p-type thermoelements and the n-type thermoelements are contained. 
     
     
         14 . Thermogenerator according to  claim 13 , wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from among the polymers and ceramics. 
     
     
         15 . Thermogenerator according to  claim 13 , wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from among the polymers which has a glass transition temperature higher than the sintering temperature of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials. 
     
     
         16 . Thermogenerator according to  claim 13 , wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from among the ceramics which has a sintering temperature higher than the sintering temperature of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials. 
     
     
         17 . Thermogenerator according to  claim 14 , wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from among the polymers which has a glass transition temperature higher than the sintering temperature of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials. 
     
     
         18 . Thermogenerator according to  claim 14 , wherein the matrix comprises a material selected from among the ceramics which has a sintering temperature higher than the sintering temperature of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials. 
     
     
         19 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 10 , wherein steps e) and f) are performed by sintering. 
     
     
         20 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 10 , wherein the duration D is less than or equal to 60 minutes. 
     
     
         21 . Method for producing a thermogenerator according to  claim 11 , wherein the duration D is less than or equal to 60 minutes.